What's best for �4k?

[Bez]

My wife passed her test in June last year and has barely set foot in the driver's side of a car since.

She is not confident so would like an easy car to drive, and also one that would protect her well if ever she was involved in an accident and one that is unlikely to break down.

The trouble is that for our budget I am having trouble getting a car that she would like (An Audi A3 is her styling choice). Any thoughts?

[Cockney_si]

You're probably not gonna get an audi A3 for that money.

Honda Civic (P reg onwards) they are pretty much bomb proof.

Renault Clio, Fiat Punto, you can probably pcik up a nice example of these if you shop around.

[Jay70]

Most jap cars are easy to drive i.e. light pedals.

[lethologica]

You could get an A3, but it would be likely to be high mileage and fiarly oldish (97!?)

I'd say a '00 onwards polo would be a good choice, they score well in NCAP tests and are very enjoyable cars to drive.

I take it from the fact that you say she's not confident, a small car would be preferable...  Clios tend to score quite well under safety ratings, but I've never driven one to comment on how they drive...